The job outlook for careers in cybersecurity and information technology continues to be very strong. Many experts predict a continued shortage of qualified professionals available to fill open positions in coming years.
MCC-Blue River is the host to MCC's cybersecurity program and home to the secure systems administration and Engineering Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree.
Built around stackable certificates mapped to industry certifications, this program helps students earn credentials quickly and offers credit by certification for students already holding credentials and wishing to complete a degree or certificate.
This program prepares students to enter the in-demand information technology and cybersecurity fields by offering a program that blends current system administration concepts with essential security skills and best practices necessary to deploy, administer, harden and defend computer and network systems.
Center of Academic Excellence
The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Metropolitan Community College Kansas City as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD) through year 2023.
The NSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) jointly sponsor the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE), and Research (CAE-R) programs.
The goal of these programs is to reduce vulnerability in our national information infrastructure by promoting higher education and research in cyber defense (CD) and producing a growing number of professionals with CD expertise in various disciplines.
Students attending CAE-CD and CAE-R schools are eligible to apply for scholarships and grants through the Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Program and the Federal Cyber Service Scholarship for Service Program.
For more information, please visit the MCC Cybersecurity Center.
Career and salary information
Visit the MoSCORES website for information on MCC's programs, including length, credit hours, and wage and employment data. Search Metropolitan Community College. Note: The historical data listed is informational and can vary based on the number of credit hours students earn, local wage conditions and other factors.
Transfer made simple
Many MCC students plan to transfer. Whatever your transfer destination, we'll work to make sure your credits move easily. That's why we're experts at it.
We've worked out specific transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities, so make sure you speak with an academic advisor before enrolling, particularly since transfer agreements can change based on curriculum revisions.
Learn more about MCC's seamless transfer
Frequently asked questions
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Information security professionals plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems.
Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyber attacks increase. You may work in areas such as network security, enterprise security management, auditing, penetration testing, threat analysis, physical security, forensics, etc. in a wide range of industries.
Learn more about job categories and roles found within the field of information systems and cybersecurity.
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Students will come from a variety of backgrounds and have a varying degree of skill levels. Students will benefit from having taken previous technical courses, experience and/or having a passion or interest in the field. We also have many students changing careers, coming out of military service, non-traditional students coming back, and students who are starting right out of high school.
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There are several factors that will play into determining how long it will take to complete any program. Prior coursework and certifications can accelerate completion.
Students starting the entire program from the beginning can realistically expect the degree to take two years to complete attending full time year round. Remember individual certificates can be earned much more quickly, in as little as a semester or so by attending full time.
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No, while you earn the stackable certificates, you are also completing the core for the degree. This method simply allows you to earn a credential faster than completing the entire degree.
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Salary and job opportunities are very much dependent on region, industry, company size, education level and experience.
Visit onetonline.org to find more salary and job outlook information for your desired path.
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Many local employers hire MCC graduates. This includes a wide variety of industries and job titles. Many find employment before completing the program. Students are hired across numerous industries.
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While this program does not guarantee an internship, we are working diligently with regional industry partners to identify as many internship opportunities as possible.
Some larger companies do offer internships, however it may be necessary to check with them to determine availability and eligibility. One example of such an opportunity is the KCIT apprenticeship program at Cerner.
Please see a faculty member or Cerner's website for guidance on finding more information about that program and connecting with a recruiter.
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The degree will transfer to four year programs on a course by course basis, often without losing many credits. We are continually working to identify transfer opportunities.
Currently, the A.A.S Secure Systems Administration and Engineering will transfer directly to the University of Central Missouri (UCM), into the B.S. Systems Engineering Technology degree program. For more information on this transfer agreement, please contact an MCC or UCM advisor.
For any transfer credit questions or guidance, contact an MCC advisor.